CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY

THE LA-KRI-VI MOVEMENT

The La-Kri-Vi Movement is a Roman Catholic voluntary organization dedicated to the integral development of Sri Lankan children, irrespective of race, religion, or gender. Rooted in the natural tendency of children to gather, play, and share, the movement provides a safe, free environment where they can express their joys, sorrows, and views on the world around them.

Today, La-Kri-Vi has steadily grown to become one of the largest children’s movements in the country. It proudly supports a membership of over 15,000 children in 400 village-level "cells," all operating under the loving guidance of over 800 youth volunteers who serve as animators.

Our History & Legal Status

The roots of La-Kri-Vi trace back to the International Movement of Apostolate of Children (IMAC), initiated in France in 1929 by Rev. Fr. Gaston Courtois to support and empower working-class youth.

In Sri Lanka, the movement was founded in 1954 through the visionary initiative of a French Oblate priest, Rev. Fr. Felix Mevel, OMI, with the full approval of the local Church. In 1968, the Sri Lankan movement was officially affiliated with IMAC under the name "La-Kri-Vi."

Vision

The movement stirs up the dynamism, creative potential, and idealism of children, empowering them to be active participants in transforming their own destinies. It endeavors to create a new world through the initiative of children themselves—a world that enhances their growth and freedom, and rejects the accumulation of wealth and power at the expense of the poor.

Mission

To create an atmosphere where children of all races and nationalities are united in love, living out their own religious values while deeply respecting the religions of others. United, they strive to build a new world that transforms our present society—often marked by injustice and violence—into one that enhances the growth, freedom, moral discipline, and dignity of every child.

Core Objectives

  • To promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual development among children in a healthy and stimulating environment.

  • To foster leadership and self-development through practical, community-oriented actions, enabling children to play an active role in their civic and religious lives.

  • To promote and safeguard the rights of children, firmly denouncing all forms of child abuse and violence.

  • To lay a solid foundation for nurturing values in a multi-religious culture through life-based religious formation, encouraging the appreciation of one another’s traditions and beliefs.

  • To actively promote inter-racial harmony and the appreciation of diverse cultures.

Pedagogy & Transforming Actions

Pedagogically, the movement harnesses the demonstrated capacity of children to initiate "transforming actions"—initiatives that bring positive changes to their physical and human environments.

Each year, the movement selects a topical theme that serves as the focus of its annual campaign. Through these theme-based projects, children not only gain confidence in their ability to lead, but often bring about desirable changes in the attitudes of their parents and other adults. Evaluation sessions following cell activities help children deepen their faith, while the presence of children from other religious backgrounds promotes vital mutual understanding.

How the Movement Functions

The movement is highly structured to ensure every child has a voice in the decision-making process:

  • The Cell: The basic unit is the "cell," a local group of children (ages 5 to 15) facilitated by trained youth animators. Animators guide weekly encounters and support the children's intellectual and spiritual growth.

  • The District: A cluster of 6 to 10 cells forms a District. An elected Area Coordinator, assisted by a six-member team, manages recruitment, education, communication, and local networking.

  • Diocesan & National Levels: Each diocese has an appointed Priest Chaplain who coordinates with the National Director. The overall administration and strategic function of the movement are executed by the National Office located in Maradana, Colombo 10.

LA.KRI.VĪ AT PRESENT (2026)

La.Kri.Vī. has grown into a vibrant movement with over 3,000 children actively participating across all Sri Lankan dioceses. This mission is supported by a dedicated network of priests (both Oblates and diocesans), Religious Sisters, and a growing team of young animators.

During his visit to Sri Lanka in 2024, the Superior General of the Oblates expressed his joyful appreciation for the La.Kri.Vī. apostolate, sharing his vision for the movement to spread throughout the Oblate world. This wish resonates deeply with the members of the OMI Colombo Province, who are eager to share this rich and transformative experience with their brothers and collaborators worldwide.

To sustain this growth, regular training sessions for animators are conducted, utilizing modern digital methods to facilitate the sharing of ideas between the National Director and diocesan directors. Furthermore, Oblate Novices and Scholastics are now being systematically introduced to the La.Kri.Vī. apostolate as part of their formation.

International Engagement and Vision In December 2024, Fr. Asanga Aruna Nanayakkara, OMI, represented the movement at the IMAC Indian Ocean Regional Meeting in Rodrigues, Republic of Mauritius. Following this, in July 2025, he participated in the International Meeting of IMAC in Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire), West Africa, accompanied by a young representative from the La.Kri.Vī. Movement.

Fr. Asanga Aruna envisions a synergy where the Mazenod Youth Movement takes an active role in the ongoing formation of La.Kri.Vī. animators. This collaborative journey allows the Oblates to accompany not only the children but also the young men and women of the movement, guiding them gracefully into adulthood.

ABHILĀSHA YĀTHRA – 2025

Nurturing Young Hearts Towards a New World

The National Children’s Rally, "Abhilasha Yathra – 2025," organized by the Sri Lanka Lamā Kriyākārī Vīrayō (La.Kri.Vī.) Movement, was held on September 6, 2025, at the St. Joseph’s College Indoor Stadium in Colombo. Bringing together children, animators, and parents, the rally celebrated the movement’s core vision: "A New World Through Children."

The event was themed "A Change of Life Through a Spiritual Transformation," carrying the inspiring multilingual taglines:

  • Danga Karana Hīna Ekka…

  • Kanavukaḷōṭu Viṭiyal Tēṭi…

  • To the Stars and Beyond…

The rally showcased the diverse talents, creativity, and moral growth of children nurtured through the movement’s activities over the previous year. Hon. Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, attended as the Chief Guest at the invitation of the National Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Asanga Aruna Nanayakkara, OMI.

The Guests of Honor included Rev. Msgr. Dr. Roberto Lucchini, Chargé d’Affaires, and Very Rev. Fr. Roshan J. L. Silva, OMI, Provincial Superior of Colombo, alongside religious dignitaries, veteran animators, and activists. A highlight of the event was the recognition of children for their achievements in various competitions, reflecting their commitment to the creativity and values promoted by the La.Kri.Vī. Movement.

Contact - MAZENOD YOUTH CENTRE